Philip Morris Benefits Can be Extended

Source from:  Salisbury (NC) Post 05/21/2010

Workers who lost their jobs when Philip Morris USA closed its cigarette-manufacturing plant here are eligible to receive extended unemployment benefits, retraining assistance and other aid, the N.C. Employment Security Commission announced Monday. The U.S. Department of Labor certified employees of the Virginia-based company for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Act. The act provides special benefits and opportunities to workers who lose their jobs to overseas competition. When the company announced plans in 2007 to shut down the facility, 2,500 people worked there. According to the Employment Security Commission, former Philip Morris employees will be eligible for three years in a training program for which their tuition, books and fees will be fully paid; up to 152 weeks of unemployment benefits as long as they're in training; job search and relocation allowances; and a health coverage tax credit. To determine if they're eligible, former Philip Morris employees should contact the nearest Employment Security Commission office. In Rowan, the office is at 1904 S. Main St. The telephone number is 704-639-7529. In Cabarrus County, the office is at 2275 Kannapolis Highway, Concord. The telephone number is 704-786-3183. Enditem